City of Rochester

News Release

(Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013) – Mayor Thomas S. Richards and the City of Rochester will usher in 2014 by hosting a free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration from 7 to 10 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St.

“Rochester’s New Year’s Eve Celebration has developed into a wonderful tradition and is becoming the source of many wonderful memories for the children of this community,” said Mayor Richards. “I encourage all area residents to come Downtown this New Year’s Eve and enjoy an evening of safe, wholesome entertainment for all ages. Let’s ring in the New Year together and remind ourselves why Rochester is such an incredible place to raise a family.”

The festivities will kick off with a DJ Dance Party for the whole family featuring Jimmy C’s Music Machine. Kid-friendly inflatable attractions will include a giant bounce house, climbing wall, obstacle course and giant slide. The City’s “Rec on the Move” program will provide crafts. Visitors will be able to get their pictures taken in an Old Time Photo Booth. Also featured will be caricature artists, airbrush tattoo artists, a stilt walker and a magician. Refreshments (food and beverage) will be available for purchase.

At 9:50 p.m., the crowd will move outside the Convention Center where they will be welcomed by Mayor Richards. Gary Mervis, founder and chairman of Camp Good Days and Special Times, will lead the crowd in a “KazooFest” just prior to the City’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks finale at 10 p.m.

Also available will be free open skating at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink with music provided by Beal’s Rock & Roll Review. A Family Skate will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by an Adult Skate (over 16 years old) from 9 to 11 p.m. Limited skate rental will be available for $3 per person with a valid NYS license.

Free parking will be available after 6 p.m. at the following City garages: South Avenue, Court Street, Sister Cities and Washington Square.